TY  - JOUR
PY  - 2019//
TI  - The influence of evidence on animal cruelty prosecution and case outcomes: results of a survey
JO  - Journal of forensic sciences
A1  - Lockwood, Randall
A1  - Touroo, Rachel
A1  - Olin, Jaime
A1  - Dolan, Emily
SP  - ePub
EP  - ePub
VL  - ePub
IS  - ePub
N2  - Two hundred prosecuting attorneys completed a survey concerning priorities in taking on animal cruelty cases and the factors that help or hinder prosecuting such cases. Respondents commented on the priority given such cases. Questions also addressed specific kinds of evidence that had been used to decide whether to take on a cruelty case and were used in court. <br><br>RESULTS showed that prosecutors most frequently relied upon "traditional" sources of evidence, including detailed medical and crime scene reports and good quality photographic evidence. Other sources of forensic evidence such as DNA, computer forensics, forensic accounting, blood, and trace evidence were rarely employed. Veterinary forensic evidence, including forensic necropsies and detailed medical reports, was viewed as an important factor by a majority of prosecutors in deciding whether to accept a case for prosecution and in achieving a successful outcome, but a need for additional training for investigators was indicated.<br><br>© 2019 American Academy of Forensic Sciences.<p />  <p>Language: en</p>
LA  - en
SN  - 0022-1198
UR  - http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/1556-4029.14085
ID  - ref1
ER  -